Western Illinois University’s president said she’s optimistic as a new school year gets underway.
One reason to look ahead, according to President Kristi Mindrup, is the grand opening of the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts.
“That will be a space that is a magnet for this region that will draw people to Western Illinois University. We’re so excited about the lineup that we have,” she told reporters after participating in the annual University Assembly on Friday.
Mindrup said the debut performance on the main stage will take place as scheduled on Sept. 16. It will feature the bluegrass band Chicken Wire empire.
During the University Assembly, Mindrup said the opening of the GCPA will be a watershed moment for WIU.
“More than a building, the Goldfarb Center is transformational in its investment in our students, our region, and the future of the arts and WIU,” she said.
WIU will also open a new Emergency Operations Center in Sallee Hall this fall. The university plans to hold a ribbon cutting in late September.
“The EOC will create space for students to gain real world experience in emergency management, public safety, law enforcement, cybersecurity, and related field,” Mindrup said.
“These spaces stand as a visible symbol of Western’s momentum that demonstrates our confidence to invest boldly in our future, and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter defined by innovation, excellence, and transformative opportunities.”
During the assembly, Mindrup said Western has mapped out a vision for the future, and will continue working on it in the coming year.
“Together, we will strengthen Western Illinois University’s role as an opportunity university that expands access, cultivates belonging, and transforms lives,” she said. “We provide an education, a degree, and a credential that is attainable.”
WIU’s official enrollment won’t be known until after the tenth day of classes. But Justin Schuch, Vice President for Student Success, believes WIU will have around 4,500 students.
“Being down some was projected as we graduate out some of those larger classes,” he told reporters.
“It’s bittersweet because we’re excited that more students are crossing that stage, but it does mean some smaller classes work through as we right-size the institution a little bit.”
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